Last seasonLeague finish 19th in ChampionshipFA Cup Third round, lost to Newcastle UnitedEFL Cup First round, lost to Oxford UnitedTop scorer Lukas Jutkiewicz, 12 goalsPlayer of the Year David DavisAverage attendance 18,717

HOW DID THEY GET HERE?

Birmingham City had to win at Ashton Gate on the final day of last season to preserve their place in the Sky Bet Championship.

It is ironic therefore, that they head back to BS3 almost a year on where a win tonight could prove crucial to their survival hopes once more.

Belief has been restored somewhat as they have managed improved form since Garry Monk replaced Steve Cotterill back in early March and they head south to Bristol with the aim of doing the league double over Lee Johnson’s City.

But the Robins need a win to keep their hopes of a play-off finish alive.

Garry Monk

MEET THE GAFFER: GARRY MONK

Monk’s move to Birmingham City makes the club his fourth venture during his short time in management.

The former defender hung up his boots four years ago after a final stint as player-manager with Swansea. He was appointed permanent boss of the South Wales club in May of that year and enjoyed a 2014/15 season which included double wins over Manchester United and Arsenal. But poor form the following year saw his sacking come December before he took the reigns at Leeds United.

Despite early exits in the EFL Cup and FA Cup, his squad looked odds-on for a Sky Bet Championship play-off spot before a dismal run of form struck. He ultimately missed out on the 2017 play-offs and resigned from his role at Elland Road at the end of the season.

Monk took over at promotion-chasing Middlesbrough last June, but he now faces a test at the opposite end of the table with Birmingham City.

Jacques Maghoma

STAR MAN: JACQUES MAGHOMA

Midfielder Maghoma has been the reliant star with both a handful of goals and assists for his team during what has been a tough season for the club and he has continued to impress during their revival under Monk.

The Democratic Republic of Congo international was a free signing at St Andrew’s in June 2015 following spells with Sheffield Wednesday and Burton Albion.

Maghoma, who scored in the reverse fixture back in August, looks set to play a key part in the Blues' fight to avoid relegation, who are without the suspended Che Adams.